Why does perfume hold a sacred place in Islam?

Perfume plays an important role in Islamic culture and practice. Natural perfumes are often used on clothing and the body. The burning of incense and wood to perfume places of worship—as well as clothing—is highly valued.

In Islam, perfume is considered a form of purification and beautification.

Perfume in Islam

In Islam, perfume is often associated with purification and piety, and it is considered a means of enhancing one’s physical appearance and pleasing Allah.

Ibn al-Qayyim, a renowned 14th-century Muslim scholar, wrote: “Perfume is the best and most compatible of things for the soul, and there is a close connection between perfume and a good soul”1.

He also explains that perfumes have healing effects on mental and emotional illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and stress. He recommended the use of natural perfumes such as musk to improve mood and relieve mental tension.

He regarded perfume as a remedy for the soul that strengthens the body, gladdens the heart, brightens the mind, and pleases the soul.

The Prophet Muhammad was known for his love of perfume and often recommended its use. He also encouraged believers to use perfume before going to prayer or during religious festivals.

Still and distillation

The use of the still is an ancient distillation technique that was widely employed in Islamic science during the Middle Ages. The earliest stills were used in ancient Greece for the production of perfumes, essential oils, and other aromatic substances.

Muslim alchemists and scholars perfected the technique of distillation to the point that it became a standard method for producing perfumes.

Over time, many Arab and Persian societies specialized in the production of perfumes using this technique. Even today, the distillation technique is used to produce attar, traditional natural perfumes made from essential oils and containing no alcohol.

Fragrant Rituals in Islamic Worship

In Muslim culture, perfume is often used on special occasions, such as weddings and religious holidays, and is considered a cherished gift.

Perfume is also present in Islamic funeral practices, where the body of the deceased is washed and perfumed before burial. The purpose is to ensure the body is thoroughly purified before burial, and also to allow family members to remember their loved one by wearing the same fragrance.

A ritual of hospitality prescribed by Islam recommends perfuming guests with rose or jasmine water using a special sprinkler called a qumqum.

There is also a tradition of perfuming mosques with specific oils and burning incense during prayers to create a spiritual and purifying atmosphere.

It is recommended to apply perfume after Islamic purification rituals, known as ablutions, which involve washing the hands, face, and feet.

The use of siwak—a wooden stick made from the arak shrub, which is widespread in Africa and Asia—is valued for its antibacterial properties in oral hygiene within Muslim culture and is encouraged as a purification practice that cleans the mouth and freshens breath. The Prophet Muhammad used the siwak regularly and also recommended its use before prayer.

Musk and Amber in Muslim Culture

In addition to the importance of floral waters and incense, musk and amber formed a key foundation of perfumery in the Islamic Middle Ages.

Musk is a fragrant substance derived from the musk gland of the male deer, the chevrotain, or the beaver. It has a powerful scent and is used in perfumery to add an animalic or warm note to a fragrance.

Musk is considered a luxurious and rare ingredient and is often used in the most precious and refined perfumes. Musk is also mentioned in the sacred texts of Islam; the Prophet Muhammad is known to have used musk to perfume his beard and hair.

Ambergris, on the other hand, is an organic substance derived from the sperm whale, often used in perfumery to add a warm, animalic note to a fragrance and to ensure its long-lasting scent. Muslim scholars have written treatises on ambergris and discussed its medicinal properties and its use in perfumery.

The Role of Attars and Layering in Muslim Culture

An attar, also known as ittar, is a type of traditional natural perfume originating in Indian culture and widely used in Muslim culture. It is made from natural essential oils, primarily extracted from plants, flowers, and other natural materials, which are added to a “base” essential oil—traditionally sandalwood oil.

Attar is produced through a process of steam distillation or distillation using volatile solvents (for more delicate materials), in which essential oils are extracted from natural raw materials. The result is a pure, concentrated natural fragrance.

The use of attar is widespread in Muslim culture, where it is often used for special occasions such as wedding celebrations and other religious events. It is also used for medicinal purposes, as the natural essential oils used in its production are said to have healing properties.

Layering—that is, combining different fragrances (incense, oils, attar, perfume) to create a unique scent—is common in Muslim culture. However, it is important to note that attar should be layered with care and sparingly so as not to disturb others.

Indeed, the teachings of Islam recommend moderation and simplicity in all aspects of life, including the use of perfumes.

As we’ve seen, perfume plays an important role in the daily lives of Muslims.

The Prophet said: “Allah is Good and loves perfume; He is Pure and loves purity; He is Generous and loves generosity; He is Munificent and loves munificence.” 2

Want to learn more about the role of perfume across different eras and cultures? Check out our Pocket Quiz: Master of Perfumes to test your olfactory knowledge while having fun!

1 – Taken from “The Authentic Book of Prophetic Medicine” by Ibn al-Qayyim, pages 221–222

2 – Sahih In Khuzaymah No. 1761